Clemson is coming off winning a National Championship and Alabama looks to be heading to yet another lock for the college football playoff, so what makes it uncertain?
1. Transfers. In the largest number of transfers we have seen in a long time , many of these guys can make an immediate impact on their football team. Justin Fields, the hyped up Sophomore for Ohio State. The way Georgia utilized him last season was just weird to say the least. Coming in for one play and then leaving , or not playing at all in times when the team needed a spark. Everyone certainly thinks he can make an immediate impact. Kelly Bryant, the quarterback who led Clemson to a playoff berth before being sat for Freshman Trevor Lawrence. Without Bryant last season, Clemson loses that game against Texas A&M. He provided stability and maturity at a time when they needed it. Missouri may not compete for a National championship, but look for them to keep up with the big boys in the SEC. Jalen Hurts. Proven, champion, Heisman finalist, resilient competitor. Hurts will play out his final season in Norman at Oklahoma. Giving Lincoln Riley a kid as quick and patient as Hurts is dangerous. Losing Kyler Murray is a blow, but getting a former Heisman finalist and National champion to replace him isn’t bad. Look for Oklahoma to not lose any ground and being competing for a playoff berth.
2. Teams we haven’t seen make the playoff competing for a berth. Aside from the top 2, the rest of the field is wide open. Ohio State, Michigan, LSU, Florida, Texas, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Oregon, Penn State, Washington, Wisconsin, Auburn and Utah all have high hopes for this season. While the SEC schools are likely to beat each other up, and history tells us a PAC 12 team may not make it, this pack of 13 schools fighting for 2 spots is going to come down head to head match ups, late seasons impressions, and big time individual performances. All of these teams have the talent to make a push for the playoff if they play to their full potential. Half of the teams listed have just that problem. In recent years Auburn, Oregon, Washington, Michigan and Wisconsin have all struggled under the bright lights.
3. Quarterback play. Trevor Lawrence looked like Peyton Manning in his Freshman campaign. Tua looked unstoppable, until the last few games. He struggled against some good defenses and got injured. Ohio State, if Justin Fields plays to his hype Ohio State should run through the Big 10. If Shea Patterson can play more like he did at Ole Miss this season, Michigan can look forward to a prime time match up for not only a big 10 title, but a playoff spot vs Ohio State. Joe Burrow from LSU improved significantly over the last 4 games of the season. If he continues to develop, LSU can expand their offense as they have been wishing for the past decade. Sam Ehlinger of Texas has been anointed the chosen one by many. He’s looked shaky, flustered, like a Heisman winner, and NFL MVP all in the same season. If his confidence can remain high, and the Texas defense can do their part . well this may be the year we once again say “ Texas is back”. Ian Book of Notre Dame looked like a Notre Dame quarterback in Brian Kelly’s system should look last season. Making all the right reads, not turning the ball over often, relying on the offensive line for protection and a balance running attack to help open up the big plays. With his favorite target Mile Boykin going to the NFL he will need to find a new deep threat to keep the defenses honest this season.
4. Teams making noise on the rise: The most talked about 4-8 team ever the Nebraska Cornhuskers are on everyone's radar for improvement in Scott Frost’s second season as Coach. QB Adrian Martinez is a baller, and if he stays healthy Nebraska could be competing for a BIG 10 title, and maybe more….Michigan State….they always seem to put together an 10-11 win season after shaky years. Look for this year to be no different. A healthy Brian Lewerke is going to help this Spartan team win double figure games and disrupt some playoff contenders seasons. This season is going to be a roller coaster ride from week 1. With all the coaches changing, players transferring, players leaving for the NFL, a lot is going to change this season. If you think the season if going to be chalk and the teams at the top now playing for the championship, well you must watch any college football.